Collapsible bin runner replacement

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is for a damaged collapsible bin having a damaged fork-lift entry structure. The apparatus includes a replacement structural member configured to have structural integrity. The apparatus also includes a replacement connection member operatively extending from the replacement structural member. The replacement connection member is configured to be operatively attached to the damaged fork-lift entry structure in such a way that the damaged collapsible bin is operatively redeployed as a repaired collapsible bin.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to) an apparatus for a damaged collapsible bin having a damaged fork-lift entry structure.

BACKGROUND

A collapsible bin (foldable bin) is a container (metal or plastic) that may be disassembled or dismantled into separate pieces or folded in order to save storage space. These types of containers can be reassembled or unfolded for future use.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with existing damaged collapsible bins. After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing damaged collapsible bins, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus (also called, a collapsible bin runner replacement). The apparatus is for a damaged collapsible bin having a damaged fork-lift entry structure. The apparatus includes a replacement structural member configured to have structural integrity. The apparatus also includes a replacement connection member operatively extending from the replacement structural member. The replacement connection member is configured to be operatively attached to the damaged fork-lift entry structure in such a way that the damaged collapsible bin is operatively redeployed as a repaired collapsible bin.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing damaged collapsible bins, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus (also called, a collapsible bin runner replacement). The apparatus is for a damaged collapsible bin having a damaged fork-lift entry structure. The apparatus includes a replacement structural member configured to have structural integrity. The apparatus also includes a replacement connection member operatively extending from the replacement structural member. The replacement connection member being configured to be operatively attached to the damaged fork-lift entry structure in such a way that the damaged collapsible bin is operatively redeployed as a repaired collapsible bin. An instance of the replacement connection member is positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member. The replacement connection member includes a connection panel member defining a connection-panel hole configured to receive a connector assembly. This is done in such a way that the connector assembly operatively connects the connection panel member to the damaged collapsible bin thereby converting the damaged collapsible bin into the repaired collapsible bin.

Other aspects are identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 (SHEET 1 OF 5 SHEETS) depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a functional collapsible bin;

FIGS. 2A and 2B (SHEETS 1 and 2 OF 5 SHEETS) depicts perspective views of embodiments of a damaged collapsible bin having a damaged fork-lift entry structure;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D (SHEETS 3 and 4 OF 5 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for the damaged collapsible bin of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 4 (SHEET 4 OF 5 SHEETS) depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a repaired collapsible bin having the apparatus of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and/or 3D; and

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C (SHEET 5 OF 5 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments of an apparatus for the damaged collapsible bin of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   -   100 apparatus (also called, a collapsible bin runner         replacement)     -   102 replacement structural member     -   104 replacement connection member     -   106 connection panel member     -   108 connection-panel hole     -   110 connector assembly     -   112 panel surface     -   114 lateral reinforcement members     -   900 damaged collapsible bin     -   901 functional collapsible bin     -   902 damaged fork-lift entry structure     -   903 fork-lift truck     -   904 repaired collapsible bin     -   905 fork structure     -   907 fork-lift entry structure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a functional collapsible bin 901 (also called a repaired collapsible bin).

The functional collapsible bin 901 is known and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,255 (Published on 17 Apr. 1990; Inventor: Dennis M. Foy, et al.; COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER) and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,329 (Published on 7 Nov. 2000; Inventor: Moshe Dotan; KNOCK-DOWN BIN).

A fork-lift truck 903 is used to move the functional collapsible bin 901 within a warehouse. The functional collapsible bin 901 include or is made of a plastic material. The functional collapsible bin 901 includes a fork-lift entry structure 907 configured to receive a fork structure 905 of the fork-lift truck 903. Once the fork structure 905 is received in the fork-lift entry structure 907, the fork-lift truck 903 may lift and move the functional collapsible bin 901 (within the warehouse, etc.).

FIGS. 2A and 2B depicts perspective views of embodiments of a damaged collapsible bin 900 having a damaged fork-lift entry structure 902.

From time to time, the fork-lift truck 903 may inadvertently damage the functional collapsible bin 901 (depicted in FIG. 1) in such a way as to create the damaged collapsible bin 900 having the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902. Once damaged by the fork-lift truck 903, the fork-lift truck 903 should not lift and/or move the damaged collapsible bin 900 simply because this condition or case represents a health and safety issue for workers in the warehouse. For this case, then damaged collapsible bin 900 is set aside, and is no longer used as a bin (this represents a waste of resources and increases inefficiencies).

Of course, it will be appreciated that the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902 includes a damaged fork lift entry runner (configured to receive the fork structure 905 of the fork-lift truck 903 depicted in FIG. 1).

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D depict views of an apparatus 100 for the damaged collapsible bin 900 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIGS. 3A and 3D depict perspective view. FIGS. 3B and 3C depict top views.

Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the apparatus 100 (also called, a collapsible bin runner replacement) is for the damaged collapsible bin 900 (depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The damaged collapsible bin 900 has the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902. The apparatus 100 includes a combination of a replacement structural member 102 and a replacement connection member 104. The replacement structural member 102 is configured to have structural integrity (strength). The replacement connection member 104 operatively extends from the replacement structural member 102. The replacement connection member 104 is configured to be operatively attached to the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902. This is done in such a way that the damaged collapsible bin 900 (as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B) is operatively redeployed as a repaired collapsible bin 904 (as depicted in FIG. 4). A technical effect of the apparatus 100 is that the useful life of the damaged collapsible bin 900 may be extended at least in part once repaired by using the apparatus 100.

In accordance with an option (as depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C), there is an instance of the replacement connection member 104 positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member 102. It will be appreciated that any number of instances of the replacement connection member 104 may operatively extend from the replacement structural member 102 (as may be desired).

In accordance with another option (as depicted in FIG. 3D), the replacement structural member 102 and the replacement connection member 104 are configured to be inserted, at least in part, in the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902. In this manner, the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902 is repaired in such a way that the fork-lift truck 903 may be able to lift and move the damaged collapsible bin 900 once the damaged collapsible bin 900 is repaired (the repaired instance of the damaged collapsible bin 900 is depicted in FIG. 4).

More specifically, the replacement structural member 102 and the replacement connection member 104 are configured to be: (A) inserted in the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902; and (B) operatively secured to the damaged fork-lift entry structure 902 (depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B).

In accordance with another options: (A) the replacement structural member 102 includes a galvanized steel portion (and any equivalent thereof); (B) the replacement connection member 104 includes a galvanized steel portion; and (C) the replacement structural member 102 and the replacement connection member 104 includes a galvanized steel portion. It will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used as a replacement material for the galvanized steel material.

In accordance with a specific option (depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C), the replacement connection member 104 includes a connection panel member 106 defining a connection-panel hole 108 (such as, two instances of the connection-panel hole 108 that are spaced apart from each other).

In accordance with a specific option (depicted in FIG. 3A, the replacement connection member 104 includes a connector assembly 110. It will be appreciated that there would be an equal number of instances of the connector assembly 110 and of the connection-panel hole 108. For example, for the case where there are four instances of the connection-panel hole 108, then there would be four instances of the connector assembly 110. The connector assembly 110 is configured to be inserted into the connection-panel hole 108. This is done in such a way that the connector assembly 110 operatively connects the connection panel member 106 to the damaged collapsible bin 900 (depicted in FIG. 3D) once operatively installed to do just so, thereby the damaged collapsible bin 900 (depicted in FIG. 3D is converted into the repaired collapsible bin 904 (depicted in FIG. 4).

In accordance with an option depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the replacement structural member 102 includes a panel surface 112. The panel surface 112 may have any suitable shape and/or size. For instance the panel surface 112 may have a rectangular shape (depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B) for use in straight section or a side section of the damaged collapsible bin 900 (depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B). For instance the panel surface 112 may have a rhomboidal shape (depicted in FIG. 3C) for use in a corner section of of the damaged collapsible bin 900 (depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B).

In accordance with an option depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the replacement structural member 102 includes opposite lateral reinforcement members 114 positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member 102. For instance, the opposite lateral reinforcement members 114 may include folded or formed rigid material (thereby adding further strength to the replacement structural member 102). The opposite lateral reinforcement members 114 extend between each instance of the connection panel member 106.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the repaired collapsible bin 904 having the apparatus 100 operatively installed.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict views of embodiments of an apparatus 100 for the damaged collapsible bin 900 of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In accordance with a specific option (depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C), the replacement connection member 104 includes the connection panel member 106 defining the connection-panel hole 108 (such as, at least three or more instances of the connection-panel hole 108 that are spaced apart from each other, and are positioned in a predetermined pattern).

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly, or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for a damaged collapsible bin having a damaged fork-lift entry structure, the apparatus comprising: a replacement structural member configured to have structural integrity; and a replacement connection member operatively extending from the replacement structural member, and the replacement connection member being configured to be operatively attached to the damaged fork-lift entry structure in such a way that the damaged collapsible bin is operatively redeployed as a repaired collapsible bin.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member and the replacement connection member are configured to be inserted, at least in part, in the damaged fork-lift entry structure.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member includes a galvanized steel portion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement connection member includes a galvanized steel portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member and the replacement connection member includes a galvanized steel portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the damaged fork-lift entry structure includes a damaged fork lift entry runner.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member and the replacement connection member are configured to be: inserted in the damaged fork-lift entry structure; and operatively secured to the damaged fork-lift entry structure.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement connection member includes: a connection panel member defining at least three or more instance of a connection-panel hole.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement connection member includes: a connection panel member defining a connection-panel hole; and a connector assembly being configured to be inserted into the connection-panel hole in such a way that the connector assembly operatively connects the connection panel member to the damaged collapsible bin thereby converting the damaged collapsible bin into the repaired collapsible bin.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member includes a panel surface having a rectangular shape.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member includes a panel surface having a rhomboidal shape.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: an instance of the replacement connection member is positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member includes: opposite lateral reinforcement members positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement structural member includes: opposite lateral reinforcement members positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member, and the opposite lateral reinforcement members include a formed rigid material.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the replacement connection member includes: a connection panel member defining a connection-panel hole; and the replacement structural member includes: opposite lateral reinforcement members positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member, and the opposite lateral reinforcement members extend between each instance of the connection panel member.
 17. An apparatus for a damaged collapsible bin having a damaged fork-lift entry structure, the apparatus comprising: a replacement structural member configured to have structural integrity; and a replacement connection member operatively extending from the replacement structural member, and the replacement connection member being configured to be operatively attached to the damaged fork-lift entry structure in such a way that the damaged collapsible bin is operatively redeployed as a repaired collapsible bin; wherein: an instance of the replacement connection member is positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member; the replacement connection member includes: a connection panel member defining a connection-panel hole configured to receive a connector assembly in such a way that the connector assembly operatively connects the connection panel member to the damaged collapsible bin thereby converting the damaged collapsible bin into the repaired collapsible bin.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the replacement structural member includes: opposite lateral reinforcement members positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the replacement structural member includes: opposite lateral reinforcement members positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member, and the opposite lateral reinforcement members extend between instances of the connection panel member.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the replacement structural member includes: opposite lateral reinforcement members positioned on opposite sides of the replacement structural member, and the opposite lateral reinforcement members include a formed rigid material. 